There was movie back in maybe the 50's? I remember it as a re-run. What I really remember is that there were twin girls, separated at birth and they go to summer camp. They discover they are TWIN sisters and plot to get their parents back together. I also remember, I didn't know it was one person playing both the girls until I was in high school.
My kids remember the movie from the Olsen twins. Although, I remember watching the same movie when they were kids, but I don't remember it being the Olsen twins. I do remember the watching the updated version.
This summer - I think I'm living that movie.
Once, after our magical adventure on the Fairwinds boat - when my summer daughter proclaims "this is like the movie THE PARENT TRAP!!"" It SO made me smile.
The summer is progressing along. We are all having fun. We are all living life to the fullest. Well, except the Grumpy Bear, he's just pretending it's all going well.
We had company. We've been busy. The summer daughter has been with us as much as possible. In fact, they spend so much time together, their mannerisms have begun to mimic each other. It's quite cute to watch. Even her dad commented on the fact that we became her "family". What he won't accept and refuses to admit - is this is NOT my fault. Some how when we leave, he thinks he's getting his daughter back. I sure hope so, but, well, 13 year old girls, we never know which way the wind will turn them.
The second time: Last night, we all ended up at dinner together. The kids then "all had to go to the bathroom." At the EXACT same time. It was pretty funny. I'm sure he didn't have a clue.
Today, well, I'm doing one thing, the boys are doing another. And I run into him while I'm running - a passion he loves and the girl in the ohana does not. I get the call to get my girl. I have my boys, I go get my girl - and we all hang out at the beach
When we watch movies, as I've said before, it's all wrapped up in a couple hours. This movie is taking awhile. As it should.
It's not really a made for TV movie. More, well, just like an old movie, with some old friends. Only this time, I'm playing the lead role. Wait, weren't the kids the lead in that movie???
They are leading this movie too......
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Potluck
A close girlfriend and I were on the phone today.
I had just dropped Duncan off at Jr Lifeguarding - and at noon, there was a potluck for all the "Jr Lifeguards" and the Lifeguards on the various beaches. I was on my way to the store. Today is National Beans and Franks days (in case you were wondering). Our contribution was going to be "Pigs in a Blanket"
Easy to make. Easy to eat. Easy to share.
Potlucks in various regions of the country have their specialties. I was SO excited to see what other people were going to bring - the "local" customs. At the same time, intimidated - don't want to bring something everyone else brings - and the "Martha Stewart" in me, well, wants to make it good.
LOTS of sweets, of course. My sons asked if there was watermelon. The reply - there is mango. (and there was A LOT OF MANGO)
The local potluck staple? I have to look up the name - but it looks like a rather large California Roll, but it's not - seaweed paper, sticky rice, and spam. Yes, I had the same thought. Duncan had three of them. I asked him what he thought of them. "These are really good". Tonight at dinner, I told him what they were. Really?? Spam's not so bad.......
Beef Stroganoff, lots of poke (pronounced po-kay") (one of our favorite local things). And of course all your normal potluck stuff - the bucket of KFC; chips, salsa, not one humus tray in sight.
Nice parents. Nice lifeguards. Nice place in life.
My girlfriend says to me, "You are going to a potluck? You do realize you don't live there, don't you?" Are we sure about that?
We have "dropped in" to this place - and become one.
I had just dropped Duncan off at Jr Lifeguarding - and at noon, there was a potluck for all the "Jr Lifeguards" and the Lifeguards on the various beaches. I was on my way to the store. Today is National Beans and Franks days (in case you were wondering). Our contribution was going to be "Pigs in a Blanket"
Easy to make. Easy to eat. Easy to share.
Potlucks in various regions of the country have their specialties. I was SO excited to see what other people were going to bring - the "local" customs. At the same time, intimidated - don't want to bring something everyone else brings - and the "Martha Stewart" in me, well, wants to make it good.
LOTS of sweets, of course. My sons asked if there was watermelon. The reply - there is mango. (and there was A LOT OF MANGO)
The local potluck staple? I have to look up the name - but it looks like a rather large California Roll, but it's not - seaweed paper, sticky rice, and spam. Yes, I had the same thought. Duncan had three of them. I asked him what he thought of them. "These are really good". Tonight at dinner, I told him what they were. Really?? Spam's not so bad.......
Beef Stroganoff, lots of poke (pronounced po-kay") (one of our favorite local things). And of course all your normal potluck stuff - the bucket of KFC; chips, salsa, not one humus tray in sight.
Nice parents. Nice lifeguards. Nice place in life.
My girlfriend says to me, "You are going to a potluck? You do realize you don't live there, don't you?" Are we sure about that?
We have "dropped in" to this place - and become one.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Sneaking Out
Whom hasn't snuck out of their house? Or snuck someone in?
Once in like, I don't know 9th or 10th grade - Laurel and I snuck out - to the end of her drive way. ;-) David and Peter came over to hang out. We were all just friends and I guess we had to be home before them. I don't really remember, what we did, but hang out and probably listen to music. But I do know her parents were asleep and we had "gone to bed". (I can't say this was the only time I've snuck out!)
Again those years are re-approaching. Only this time, I'm the mom. I feel a bit like Wendy in Peter Pan. When he returns, only to find Wendy grown. I'm now Wendy and Peter and his friends are my boys.
Once in like, I don't know 9th or 10th grade - Laurel and I snuck out - to the end of her drive way. ;-) David and Peter came over to hang out. We were all just friends and I guess we had to be home before them. I don't really remember, what we did, but hang out and probably listen to music. But I do know her parents were asleep and we had "gone to bed". (I can't say this was the only time I've snuck out!)
Again those years are re-approaching. Only this time, I'm the mom. I feel a bit like Wendy in Peter Pan. When he returns, only to find Wendy grown. I'm now Wendy and Peter and his friends are my boys.
Our property here on the island has a main house and two ohana's (ohana meaning family) They build houses here with houses for their "family". Most people rent them out. I'm staying in the main house (there are about 2 acres or so here). The second ohana is rented out year round to a local girl.
Just for clairification, this is a WONDERFUL, INCREDIBLE house. It is in NO WAY FANCY. The owner Joe, is a mid 60's bachelor. It's amazing the cleaning I've done since I've been here!
Sorry for the tangent there! Nolan has been staying in one ohana. Basically, he has his own apartment for the summer. We had some friends from Denver arrive - the three boys slept up there and the other two adults and little girl here in the main house.
My summer daughter couldn't spend the night while they were here - except the one night our Denver friends were on the other side of the island. When she stays over, she sleeps here in the main house with me. She comes right in, she knows where her stuff goes, she has a toothbrush here, on and on. You get the idea. Well, since our friends were in "her" room, the pull out couch was out.
The ohana is good size. There is one queen bed, a blow up bed that Duncan has been sleeping on and a couch. (plus a mini kitchen, a table and chairs and a bathroom).
Lily you are sleeping on the pull out couch. No big deal.
The kids all go up to the ohana to watch a movie. I'm uploading pictures to my share site. I'm getting a little work done - and they all know I usually go to bed around 10. Anything after that, and, well, I'm not really functional anyway. SOOOOO, I told my summer daughter, it was okay if she fell asleep watching the movie in the onaha - oh yeah, there is a TV and DVD player too....
Look, I know this would never happen in the real world. If this was one of your friends at home, NO, this would not be happening. Yes, we are in Kona and I guess the "summer rules" apply. Of course, they have all spent SO much time together, their mannerisms have even started to mimic each other.
BUT, being the smart girl she is - she came back to the house twice - once to brush her teeth. The other time? She was pretending she was going to bed. It was actually really cute. I was at the kitchen table still working on pictures..... (much to her dismay)
I finally told her, "As far as I'm concerned, you were on the pull out bed when I went to bed". I did the honorable thing, and went to bed while she was "on her bed".
No, I didn't hear her leave.
When I woke up and started to work the next morning, I was in the house alone. Granted, it's 5 am and I went up to the ohana. Nolan's in his bed. Duncan is in his bed and my summer daughter is asleep on the couch.
I wasn't sure if I should be proud or be mad at one of the boys for not giving up their bed. I was proud of all of them - the TV was still on........
(and please - even if we all knew she was going to spend the night on the couch in the ohana, just let me have this moment!) ;-)
(and please - even if we all knew she was going to spend the night on the couch in the ohana, just let me have this moment!) ;-)
Dread
Ever have those days when you "DREAD" getting out of bed or "DREAD" doing something?
We all do. In the winter, I sometimes dread getting out of bed, just thinking "do I really have to do everything I have to do today?". I don't WANT to work, take the kids to hockey, cook, clean, etc.- none of it. If I get out of bed, I will have to do it all. I DON"T want to!!!
Luckily, my days of "dread" don't last long. A day here. A day there. It's not depression. It's normal. Don't we all want to just play???
Days of "dread" on the island are completely different. I wake up way too early. I now have a rule. I won't get out of bed until after 5 am. 4am is still the middle of the night - I don't care when you go to bed! Now, when I wake up, I have to lay there for a bit. (Usually, I'm a get out of bed immediately kind of person). Truly, I think I'm scared to get out of bed. Because I know, I will not sit down until 10pm at night.
I know what you are thinking. She has all afternoon at the beach!!! I work until 11 or 12. Of course, now I run Duncan to Jr Lifeguard training at the beach (Kahaluu Beach Park) that is trying to kill me. (Yes, it is ironic - maybe my own son will get to swim out next time to get me!) at 9. I then get back and work some more. He's done at noon. It really works out nicely in our day. (More on that later) I then get back and work some more.
At times, we all try to be something we are not. I try on a daily basis to think I'm the type of person who can lay on the beach and read a book. Sometimes, I can sit and read, but that's for about 20 minutes. Then I'm playing volleyball with the kids. Boogie boarding, swimming laps, going for run, you get the idea. I'm doing everything but sitting still.
Then, there is all that other normal stuff - grocery store, laundry, cooking. You know life. The good/bad thing about life on the island: you get TWO FULL DAYS, in every day. You work and you play.
In the morning, I have to lay there for bit in bed to think about the day ahead. There is that sense of dread. Dread of getting out of bed. Instead of dreading the mundane things of every day life, my first real thought? My "dread of the day" - how am I going to survive this day? Survive in meaning, I hope I pack enough in, and I hope I enjoy it enough. I don't want to waste a single minute - I hope I still have it in me. I think I dread the thought that I might not still have it in me.
You would think I would learn to just, well, forget that thought, I better just go be whom I am. Dread and all......
We all do. In the winter, I sometimes dread getting out of bed, just thinking "do I really have to do everything I have to do today?". I don't WANT to work, take the kids to hockey, cook, clean, etc.- none of it. If I get out of bed, I will have to do it all. I DON"T want to!!!
Luckily, my days of "dread" don't last long. A day here. A day there. It's not depression. It's normal. Don't we all want to just play???
Days of "dread" on the island are completely different. I wake up way too early. I now have a rule. I won't get out of bed until after 5 am. 4am is still the middle of the night - I don't care when you go to bed! Now, when I wake up, I have to lay there for a bit. (Usually, I'm a get out of bed immediately kind of person). Truly, I think I'm scared to get out of bed. Because I know, I will not sit down until 10pm at night.
I know what you are thinking. She has all afternoon at the beach!!! I work until 11 or 12. Of course, now I run Duncan to Jr Lifeguard training at the beach (Kahaluu Beach Park) that is trying to kill me. (Yes, it is ironic - maybe my own son will get to swim out next time to get me!) at 9. I then get back and work some more. He's done at noon. It really works out nicely in our day. (More on that later) I then get back and work some more.
At times, we all try to be something we are not. I try on a daily basis to think I'm the type of person who can lay on the beach and read a book. Sometimes, I can sit and read, but that's for about 20 minutes. Then I'm playing volleyball with the kids. Boogie boarding, swimming laps, going for run, you get the idea. I'm doing everything but sitting still.
Then, there is all that other normal stuff - grocery store, laundry, cooking. You know life. The good/bad thing about life on the island: you get TWO FULL DAYS, in every day. You work and you play.
In the morning, I have to lay there for bit in bed to think about the day ahead. There is that sense of dread. Dread of getting out of bed. Instead of dreading the mundane things of every day life, my first real thought? My "dread of the day" - how am I going to survive this day? Survive in meaning, I hope I pack enough in, and I hope I enjoy it enough. I don't want to waste a single minute - I hope I still have it in me. I think I dread the thought that I might not still have it in me.
You would think I would learn to just, well, forget that thought, I better just go be whom I am. Dread and all......
Monday, July 9, 2012
DIRTY
I'm dirty. Grimy and EXHAUSTED. As I've said before, that WONDERFUL DIRTY GRIMY EXHAUSTED. And I wouldn't change a thing.
We've decided: people watch us. Of course, I LOVE to watch people, but we are being watched.
I "met" Carolyn and I today. Only we are in our 70's. I sent Carolyn a text and told her so, and I told her "I just met us in 30 years, with Marie." After thinking about the text, it wouldn't be Marie - she will be in her 30's in 30 years. The girl with "us" was in her early 20's. So, I guess I met "us" and our "grand-daughter". We are still fun.
Fun in the way - as I'm walking across the beach, to the bar, at the hotel next to the public beach, they stop me, to tell me they like my dress. It's cute on me. And it's very flattering. And I should own a few more of them. I explained I had been wearing this dress all summer, they understood. They said I should wear it all summer. One of them was in a wheelchair (that will be me, because I don't know how to say "I'm too old to do that anymore".) Truly, if I didn't have three kids running around a resort that we aren't staying at, well, I would have sat down. I would like to know we turn out okay - well, never mind, we know that answer.
The kids - they are dirty - DIRTY. Sand in your face, in your swimsuit, in your toes kind of dirty. This is my FAVORITE beach. I was a little disappointed when I found out it was man-made. No wonder it's so perfect. AS IN - PERFECT - just go look at the pictures: leasamcintosh.shutterfly.com -
Lily is keeping track of how many times people think she and the boys are siblings. We are up to 8 - 2 today. Wait, maybe that's 3 today. The really funny thing is: We are white people. We just all have the same eyes. Someone even asked Nolan and Lily if they were twins (this was before Duncan arrived). Seriously? She's a foot taller than him, and his hair is very blonde. It's fun to watch. It's fun to be the mom.
If that doesn't make you feel dirty, nothing else will......
We've decided: people watch us. Of course, I LOVE to watch people, but we are being watched.
I "met" Carolyn and I today. Only we are in our 70's. I sent Carolyn a text and told her so, and I told her "I just met us in 30 years, with Marie." After thinking about the text, it wouldn't be Marie - she will be in her 30's in 30 years. The girl with "us" was in her early 20's. So, I guess I met "us" and our "grand-daughter". We are still fun.
Fun in the way - as I'm walking across the beach, to the bar, at the hotel next to the public beach, they stop me, to tell me they like my dress. It's cute on me. And it's very flattering. And I should own a few more of them. I explained I had been wearing this dress all summer, they understood. They said I should wear it all summer. One of them was in a wheelchair (that will be me, because I don't know how to say "I'm too old to do that anymore".) Truly, if I didn't have three kids running around a resort that we aren't staying at, well, I would have sat down. I would like to know we turn out okay - well, never mind, we know that answer.
The kids - they are dirty - DIRTY. Sand in your face, in your swimsuit, in your toes kind of dirty. This is my FAVORITE beach. I was a little disappointed when I found out it was man-made. No wonder it's so perfect. AS IN - PERFECT - just go look at the pictures: leasamcintosh.shutterfly.com -
Lily is keeping track of how many times people think she and the boys are siblings. We are up to 8 - 2 today. Wait, maybe that's 3 today. The really funny thing is: We are white people. We just all have the same eyes. Someone even asked Nolan and Lily if they were twins (this was before Duncan arrived). Seriously? She's a foot taller than him, and his hair is very blonde. It's fun to watch. It's fun to be the mom.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
More Better
One of the radio stations in town says the phrase "More Better". "We are going to make your day 'more better'". Every time we hear it, we all smile. "More Better". Yes, we know, it's not "proper" and it's not correct, but hey, it makes us smile.
We have some friends from Denver staying with us for a week. They are going to the volcano area for a couple of nights, but have been here since July 3. This is a great incredible place and I don't want them to miss a thing - SO here we go - let's GO......
The kids and I go to Kua Bay (one of my favorite beaches) and wait for their plane to land. It's about 10 minutes North of the Airport. Literally, I'm on the beach, with four kids, and we see their plane. The funny thing is, they see our beach from the plane and go WOW. I see the plane and say "I've got to go!" I leave the four kids at the beach (can't get in the water until I return). Go pick up our friends at the airport and bring them back to the beach.
Okay, and really, it's still hectic from there, but it's dropping/picking up/Costco/the pier/sushi/the house - in a round about way.....
The way I really plan my vacations; wait; make that my life: One day busy, next day, well busy, just not hectic. Paddle Boat Riding; Fireworks, walking through town; parades and happy people.
Magic Sand Beach - there was a SWELL. A SWELL that traveled 6000 miles to cause havoc on the beaches of Hawaii. Waves so strong and incredible, we couldn't even ride them. The lifeguards went out 5 times in 1 hour. 2 ambulances came. Then of course, it calmed down, and we played in the waves.
Now we all know, you don't really know someone until you travel with them. I'm just glad my friends are still my friends. Ready? Okay, NOW, we are going to drive your rental car down a 25% grade, swim across a river and hike to a waterfall. To me, the most wonderful thing about the whole day? THEY LOVED IT. In fact, they thanked me for taking them. And the dad's face at the end of the day - well, we had another teenager with us. SO excited about our day.
That made me SO happy.
When you love something or someone and you get to share what you love with others, it makes it all even more wonderful.
It doesn't get "More Better" than this.
We have some friends from Denver staying with us for a week. They are going to the volcano area for a couple of nights, but have been here since July 3. This is a great incredible place and I don't want them to miss a thing - SO here we go - let's GO......
The kids and I go to Kua Bay (one of my favorite beaches) and wait for their plane to land. It's about 10 minutes North of the Airport. Literally, I'm on the beach, with four kids, and we see their plane. The funny thing is, they see our beach from the plane and go WOW. I see the plane and say "I've got to go!" I leave the four kids at the beach (can't get in the water until I return). Go pick up our friends at the airport and bring them back to the beach.
Okay, and really, it's still hectic from there, but it's dropping/picking up/Costco/the pier/sushi/the house - in a round about way.....
The way I really plan my vacations; wait; make that my life: One day busy, next day, well busy, just not hectic. Paddle Boat Riding; Fireworks, walking through town; parades and happy people.
Magic Sand Beach - there was a SWELL. A SWELL that traveled 6000 miles to cause havoc on the beaches of Hawaii. Waves so strong and incredible, we couldn't even ride them. The lifeguards went out 5 times in 1 hour. 2 ambulances came. Then of course, it calmed down, and we played in the waves.
Now we all know, you don't really know someone until you travel with them. I'm just glad my friends are still my friends. Ready? Okay, NOW, we are going to drive your rental car down a 25% grade, swim across a river and hike to a waterfall. To me, the most wonderful thing about the whole day? THEY LOVED IT. In fact, they thanked me for taking them. And the dad's face at the end of the day - well, we had another teenager with us. SO excited about our day.
That made me SO happy.
When you love something or someone and you get to share what you love with others, it makes it all even more wonderful.
It doesn't get "More Better" than this.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
My Summer Daughter
I have a "Summer Daughter". What a delight.
I LOVE having boys. Everything about boys. Adventurous, Dirty, Exhausting, Insecure, Brave - and on and on and on - and USUALLY, no drama. Although we are hitting the teenage years, we might have some hormonal drama yet to come. AND, not that girls couldn't be all the things I listed above - I just don't know - I don't have girls.
Carolyn and her daughter were in Denver to visit one time and we were "building" something. Then my next action, was well, to say "how can we destroy this?" She reminded me, we don't have to "destroy what we build". AH - girls build it to play with it; boys build it to tear it down.
We are just different. Boys and girls. That's okay. We should be different. We should also not want boys to be more like us or us more like them. We are different.
But this summer, I have a girl. In addition, to my two boys. A beautiful, wonderful, sweet, kind-hearted daughter. She is everything you would want in a daughter.
In fact, I'm so used to her being here, and we now have friends here - I keep saying there are "four of us".
She lives with her mom on the mainland 9 months out of the year. With her dad, for 2 months in the summer and a month during the year in California. But this summer, she is my "summer daughter".
She's a swimmer. She calls me when something is wrong. Her mom calls me too when something is wrong. In fact, her mom calls me and tells me she is so glad I'm here. It takes a mighty big person to refer to someone else as her daughters "summer mama". As she said (her mom) - "when my daughter loves another woman other than her mama, this woman must be special and deserve my respect."
As I told her dad, 13 year old girls don't like anyone. She LIKES ME. Granted, I do come with two boys her age (she is exactly in between the two) - so I know that doesn't hurt my ratings any... ;-)
And she wants to be here. With us. And the worst part is, so does her dad. He's just trying to do what he said he would do - and BOY is he grumpy. He's grumpy at her. He's grumpy to everyone around him. He's GRUMPY. The sad thing is - he's not a grumpy guy. He's the happiest guy in the world. Usually.
There is a couple whom lives next door to my summer daughter and her dad. Their names are Davey and Ryan. We were at their house for dinner. Towards the end of the evening, Davey and I were on the porch. He says to me "Lily LOVES you". "I know", I replied, "so does her dad." He replies, "well, we all know that".
All in good time.
In the meantime, I have a summer daughter. She has a "Summer Mama" - and if she has her way, one day, my grandson will be named Oliver.... ;-) Oh, the things girls try to plan.....
I LOVE having boys. Everything about boys. Adventurous, Dirty, Exhausting, Insecure, Brave - and on and on and on - and USUALLY, no drama. Although we are hitting the teenage years, we might have some hormonal drama yet to come. AND, not that girls couldn't be all the things I listed above - I just don't know - I don't have girls.
Carolyn and her daughter were in Denver to visit one time and we were "building" something. Then my next action, was well, to say "how can we destroy this?" She reminded me, we don't have to "destroy what we build". AH - girls build it to play with it; boys build it to tear it down.
We are just different. Boys and girls. That's okay. We should be different. We should also not want boys to be more like us or us more like them. We are different.
But this summer, I have a girl. In addition, to my two boys. A beautiful, wonderful, sweet, kind-hearted daughter. She is everything you would want in a daughter.
In fact, I'm so used to her being here, and we now have friends here - I keep saying there are "four of us".
She lives with her mom on the mainland 9 months out of the year. With her dad, for 2 months in the summer and a month during the year in California. But this summer, she is my "summer daughter".
She's a swimmer. She calls me when something is wrong. Her mom calls me too when something is wrong. In fact, her mom calls me and tells me she is so glad I'm here. It takes a mighty big person to refer to someone else as her daughters "summer mama". As she said (her mom) - "when my daughter loves another woman other than her mama, this woman must be special and deserve my respect."
As I told her dad, 13 year old girls don't like anyone. She LIKES ME. Granted, I do come with two boys her age (she is exactly in between the two) - so I know that doesn't hurt my ratings any... ;-)
And she wants to be here. With us. And the worst part is, so does her dad. He's just trying to do what he said he would do - and BOY is he grumpy. He's grumpy at her. He's grumpy to everyone around him. He's GRUMPY. The sad thing is - he's not a grumpy guy. He's the happiest guy in the world. Usually.
There is a couple whom lives next door to my summer daughter and her dad. Their names are Davey and Ryan. We were at their house for dinner. Towards the end of the evening, Davey and I were on the porch. He says to me "Lily LOVES you". "I know", I replied, "so does her dad." He replies, "well, we all know that".
All in good time.
In the meantime, I have a summer daughter. She has a "Summer Mama" - and if she has her way, one day, my grandson will be named Oliver.... ;-) Oh, the things girls try to plan.....
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